20150303

Mumbai: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who has proved his versatility over 30 years in Hindi cinema, is gearing up for his next Marathi home production titled "Nat Samrat". He says it is his dream project.
"'Nat Samrat' was a classic 40 years back, and I was just 15 years old when it came. Doing this act means you are an actor in true sense. I would not have any regrets if I plan not to work after doing 'Nat Samrat' as this would be the best Marathi film I would be acting in," Nana told reporters here.

The movie, based on the eponymous Marathi play, features Nana and Reema Lagoo in the lead and would be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar.

Nana, a theatre veteran, has been lauded for his intense roles in films like "Parinda", "Tirangaa", "Krantiveer" and "Khamoshi: The Musical", as much as for his comedic performance in "Welcome" and "Bluffmaster!".
source:agency

Mumbai: Veteran singer Bappi Lahiri, who has lent his voice for a song in Phantom Films' "Hunterrr 303", says he has decided to do only selective work.
"I want to retain my brand and do only selective work. But if I get some good project, I will take that. I have achieved a lot and just want to be in this industry to do some good work," Lahiri said.

The voice behind quirky dance numbers such as "Yaad aa raha hai", "Tamma tamma loge" and "Oh la la la", Lahiri has also sung a track for another Phantom Films production, "Ghoomketu". "The song is lovely and the music is given by Sneha Khanwalkar," he said.
source:agency

New Delhi: Actress Shraddha Kapoor turned 26 Tuesday and Bollywood celebrities like Shreya Ghoshal, Priyanka Chopra and Sonal Chauhan wished the best for her.
Here's what the celebrities tweeted about the "Ek Villain" actress, whose name was trending on Twitter on her special day.

New Delhi: Former Nepal prime minister Baburam Bhattarai called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Mukherjee recalled the progress in Nepal's ongoing political transition and expressed hope that the draft constitution would be finalised at the earliest.
source:agency

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will leave for Bengaluru Wednesday for a 10-day naturopathy treatment for high sugar level, an official said Tuesday.
"His (Kejriwal) sugar level is above 300. So he has decided to opt for naturopathy. He will leave for Bengaluru tomorrow (Wednesday). The treatment will start the next day," the official said.

In Kejriwal's absence, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will officiate as chief minister. Kejriwal, who became chief minister of Delhi a second time last month, has been a long-time diabetic.
source:agency

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has sought the help of Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to evacuate 80 nurses from Kerala who are stranded in Benghazi Medical Centre, Libya.
Chandy, who was in Delhi, on Tuesday requested Swaraj to do the needful and handed over the details of the nurses to be evacuated. Chandy also expressed his sincere gratitude for the successful evacuation of hundreds of Keralites including nurses from Iraq and Libya last year and early this year.

These 80 nurses are now stranded at the Benghazi Medical Centre, Libya and had approached the Chandy government for help.
source:agency

Jaipur: The verdict in the case relating to illegal possession and use of arms by actor Salman Khan has been deferred further as the court in Jodhpur on Tuesday partly accepted nine-year-old applications of the prosecution.
The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Anupama Bijlani also gave a last opportunity to the prosecution to produce the witnesses and records relating to the case.

"The court also ordered the prosecution to call four witnesses on March 10 as a last chance," Salman Khan's counsel Hastimal Saraswat said. The court made it clear that no further chance would be given to the prosecution to produce witnesses.
Salman Khan and a few other Bollywood stars were accused of poaching blackbucks on the midnight of October 1-2, 1998 during the shooting of Hindi movie "Hum Saath Saath Hain". Two blackbucks, a protected animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, were killed on the outskirts of Kankani village near Jodhpur.

Salman Khan is also alleged to have been carrying arms with expired license. A police complaint was filed against him for being involved in hunting protected blackbucks.
source:agency

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday condemned the brutal murder of Bangladeshi-American blogger Avijit Roy in Dhaka last week. "I strongly condemn the brutal murder of the Bangladeshi writer a few days ago. We believe in freedom of expression," Banerjee tweeted. The Trinamool Congress supremo, who had been to Bangladesh recently, fell short of words to denounce the incident. "Words are not enough to condemn the sad incident. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the Bangladeshi writer," she wrote. Roy, a 42-year-old bio-engineer working in the US, was hacked to death by two attackers wielding machetes in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on February 26, when he was leaving a book fair with his wife Rafida Ahmed Banna, who was also seriously wounded in the attack.
Religious radicals had been threatening Roy over his active campaign against Islamist extremism and for strengthening secularism in Bangladesh.
source:agency

20150302

Mumbai: Actor-producer Kamaal R. Khan is said to have been approached for the next season of dance-based reality show Nach Baliye.
According to a source, the makers are approaching names from different fields to explore their dancing skills with their better half on the show.

Kamaal, who was earlier part of the third season of Bigg Boss, and has appeared in films like Deshdrohi and Ek Villain - There's One In Every Love Story, is best known for his quirky comments and acting. However, it would be interesting to see him shaking a leg in the show, if he takes up the call.
In February, Kamaal had posted on Twitter: "2day some ppl called me for a reality show n asked me 2participate with real life girlfriend, fiancée or wife. From where I shud bring? Lol!" The seventh season of Nach Baliye is expected to be aired on Star Plus in May.

Its last season was won by TV actors Rithvik Dhanjani and Asha Negi.
source:agency

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lunch at the parliament house canteen on Monday, taking the staff and MPs there by surprise.
He ate the vegetarian thali at the canteen which provides heavily subsidised meals for parliamentarians, and paid for it himself, official sources said.

The canteen, in another section, provides the same facility for media persons.
source:agency

Mumbai: Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who started his career as an assistant director to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, says if he has to pen down a portion of his life, then it would be the time when he assisted Bhansali on the film "Black".
He says that phase transformed him completely from an "aimless slacker boy to a worthy person".

"I have not thought about it (writing a book) at all. I have miles to go before I can think of something like that,"the 32-year-old told reporters here at the launch of cover of Ronnie Screwvala's book "Dream With Your Eyes Open".
"But if I had to, then it would be the time when I assisted Mr. Bhansali (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) on 'Black', because that was the time I really switched from just being an aimless slacker boy to somebody who wants to do something in his life related to films," he added.

Before foraying into acting with Bhansali's directorial "Saawariya" (2007), Ranbir worked as an assistant director with Bhansali. Although the film didn't work, however, Ranbir was noticed for his performance and he bagged Filmfare's Best Male Debut Award.
Further, he praised the National Award winning director and said: He was a great mentor, he was a great teacher, so to write something about that would be interesting."

Meanwhile, Ranbir is awaiting the release of his film "Bombay Velvet", directed by Anurag Kashyap.
source:agency

Mumbai: Sonam Kapoor, who went for a checkup at a Rajkot hospital on Saturday, was diagnosed with swine flu. However her publicist says the actress is on the road to recovery.
According to the representative, there are too many "unofficial and irresponsible statements being made on Sonam's behalf" and that's the reason why they have released a statement to make things clear.

"We are releasing this statement to set the record straight. Sonam has been detected with swine flu but it's under control," Sonam's publicists said in a statement.
"She's been shifted to a hospital in mumbai and she's showing signs of a speedy recovery. Hopefully she should be back at work soon. We thank all her fans and the industry alike for the love and support they have shown her," the publicists added.

The actress was shifted to Kokilabein hospital, here Sunday where she is currently being treated.
source:agency

Chennai: Veteran cricket administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya was on Monday elected president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during its annual general meeting (AGM) here.
Dalmiya was a 'neutral' candidate from both the factions in the board. One camp is led by outgoing BCCI boss N. Srinivasan and the other is spearheaded by former union minister Sharad Pawar. Dalmiya returns to the top post after more than a decade.

Apart from Dalmiya, the other new entrant is Haryana's Anirudh Choudhary who has been appointed the new treasurer while Himachal Pradesh's Anurag Thakur was named the board secretary.
source: agency

Jammu: National Conference chief Omar Abdullah yesterday hit out at Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's remarks that the separatist Hurriyat Conference and militant outfits had facilitated conducive atmosphere for assembly polls in the state. ""Pakistan, Huriyaat & Militants ALLOWED peaceful conduct of elections" says Mufti Syed. I guess we should be grateful for their generosity," tweeted Abdullah. The former chief minister also posed questions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which became part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in a colaition with Sayeed's Peoples Democratic Party. "Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces & polling staff considering your CM just said "Pakistan allowed elections in J&K"," Abdullah added. Within hours of taking oath as chief minister Sunday, Sayeed said: "There is Hurriyat, there are militants. If they had done something, it would not have been such an election, there would not have been such participation."
He also said that people from across the border also contributed to making the atmosphere conducive. Sayeed also pitched for taking Hurriyat Conference and separatists on board in talks on the Kashmir problem. "They have a view point," he said.
source:agency

New Delhi: AAP leader Yogendra Yadav on Monday said that he felt sad over false reports about him and Prashant Bhushan being unhappy with the happenings in the party, added this was a time to work with a large heart following their big win in Delhi.
"I feel sad and at the same time (feel like) laughing too after reading whatever is being said in the media about me and Prashant ji for the last two days... Delhi has given such huge mandate to AAP. I would appeal that we should not let the faith of people dwindle in the AAP," Yadav said in a tweet Monday morning.

"Today it is the time to work for the country. The country has great expectation from us (AAP)," Yadav added.
Reflecting his discontent about the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Party, senior leader Prashant Bhushan has written a letter raising questions about some decisions of party convenor Arvind Kejriwal who is now chief minister of Delhi.

In the letter, apparently written to members of party's national executive, Bhushan has raised questions about the party running a "person-centric" campaign in Delhi polls and not following some of its professed principles.
source:agency

20150228

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik slammed the union budget, saying it disappointed and neglected his state.
"As regards Odisha, I am deeply disappointed both with the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission and the union budget," he said. Patnaik said that while the budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley indicates a focus on rapid development of eastern states and special assistance for Bihar and West Bengal, Odisha was completed neglected.

"Our state faced two of the worst calamities in the last two years consecutively in the form of Phailin and Hudhud. At least on these scores, Odisha deserves special focus. I am shocked that this fact has been completely overlooked in the union budget despite our repeated demands," he said.

Patnaik said the share of Odisha in tax devolution from 4.78 percent to 4.6 percent will involve a loss of about Rs.4,600 crore over a period of five years. "Our fiscal discipline has been much better than most of the other states and now we are being penalised because of our good performance in fiscal discipline and population stabilisation initiatives," he said.
Even though there has been focus on irrigation and agriculture in the budget, the allocation towards crucial sectors was abysmally low, he said. Odisha Congress president Prasad Harichandan said the budget had nothing for Odisha.

"The budget is against the interest of people and the state. There is no special allocation for the state while other states were given special preference," he said. Odisha BJP president K.V. Singhdeo, however, said the budget was an innovative pro-poor, development oriented, growth driven with special emphasis on women, children, youth and senior citizens.

"This budget brings in a paradigm shift introducing the idea of social security with rebates, concessions and allocations in insurance, pensions, ICDS etc. Public spending on infrastructure has been increased. The tax reforms leave the consumer with more disposable income thus incentivizing him to spend," said Singhdeo.
source:agency

Pakistani actress turned Bollywood star Veena Malik was seen celebrating her 31st birthday with her loving husband Asad Bashir Khan and son Abram who fills the special day with enormous happiness and of course love. This is Veena’s second birthday after her much talked about marriage to Dubai based business Asad Bashir Khan Khattak. The garish, loud, over-the-top, in-your-face Veena Malik has suddenly transformed into a shy and subservient biwi after her marriage to the Dubai-based entrepreneur. Asad Khan gave Veena Malik a surprise Birthday party and celebrated her Birthday at the Most Exotic Hotel One Of the Most Expensive Hotels in Dubai and A Seven Star hotel Burj Al Arab. The Birthday Celebrated on the 27th floor of Burj Ul Arab which has got a beautiful Skyview. Celebration was a private affair with close friends and Family Members. Veena’s birthday started with a beautiful message from her husband which he wrote on the micro-blogging website Twitter. He tweeted, “Every moment matters when I am with u. Having you in my life makes me realize how important & wonderful LOVE is! ‘HBD’.” Veena too thanked Asad for making the day special for her.

Veena Malik exclusively spoken to WorldNewsNetwork about her D Day, she said, "This birthday is very special because of my son Abram also with me to share this. Asad is a very loving and caring husband he made my day so special and memorable."

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said that the government had provided an outlay of Rs.246,727 crore for defence for 2015-16.
Jaitley said in his budget speech that the government was following a policy of transparency and quick decision-making in procurement to keep the defence forces prepared for any eventuality. He said that government was pushing for Make in India policy in defence manufacturing. He added the defence outlay had been enhanced over the last fiscal at Rs.246,727 crore.
source:agency

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, renowned “Boston Jewish Music Festival” this year will include “Sacred Songs of Hindus”.

The 2015 Festival from February 27 to March 15 in Massachusetts; besides Kabbalat Shabbats, Sacred Hebrew Chants, Shabbat Songs, Jewish choral music, Jazz Shabbat, songs of Purim, Yiddish folk songs, etc; will also include sacred songs of Hindus containing Hindu music. The Hindu songs will be delivered in Temple Ohabei Shalom, a Jewish synagogue in Brookline, on March one.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, welcoming inclusion of sacred Hindu songs in a well-known Jewish festival, stressed that despite our seriously different traditions in the world, we should learn to live together in mutual trust and peace. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment and help us overcome prejudices passed on to us by previous generations.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that religion was a complex component of our lives and its broader and more inclusive understanding was needed.

“Boston Jewish Music Festival is dedicated to presenting innovative programs that demonstrate the many ways Jewish experiences, beliefs, and values are expressed through music”, its mission states. This year’s Festival, whose tagline is "Music Builds Bridges", is “dedicated to music’s unmatched power to build bridges between people and create a path to a more harmonious future.” Joey Baron is its Executive Director.

Pakistani actress turned Bollywood star Veena Malik was seen celebrating her 31st birthday with her loving husband Asad Bashir Khan and son Abram who fills the special day with enormous happiness and of course love. This is Veena’s second birthday after her much talked about marriage to Dubai based business Asad Bashir Khan Khattak. The garish, loud, over-the-top, in-your-face Veena Malik has suddenly transformed into a shy and subservient biwi after her marriage to the Dubai-based entrepreneur. Asad Khan gave Veena Malik a surprise Birthday party and celebrated her Birthday at the Most Exotic Hotel One Of the Most Expensive Hotels in Dubai and A Seven Star hotel Burj Al Arab. The Birthday Celebrated on the 27th floor of Burj Ul Arab which has got a beautiful Skyview. Celebration was a private affair with close friends and Family Members. Veena’s birthday started with a beautiful message from her husband which he wrote on the micro-blogging website Twitter. He tweeted, “Every moment matters when I am with u. Having you in my life makes me realize how important & wonderful LOVE is! ‘HBD’.” Veena too thanked Asad for making the day special for her.

Veena Malik exclusively spoken to WorldNewsNetwork about her D Day, she said, "This birthday is very special because of my son Abram also with me to share this. Asad is a very loving and caring husband he made my day so special and memorable."

20150225

Mumbai: Music maestro A. R. Rahmans band NAFS gave its maiden performance here at the fifth edition of Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards (GiMA).
The awards ceremony took place Tuesday in the presence of the crème de la crème of the music and film fraternity.

The ceremony, hosted by singer Mika Singh and TV host-actor Manish Paul, featured stellar performances by celebrated musicians and Bollywood stars including Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Pritam, Shraddha Kapoor, Benny Dayal, Sonu Nigam, Ankit Tewari and Shankar Mahadevan among others.
Band NAFS, which means 'free will to make your own choice' in Urdu and Arabic, regaled the audience with its tunes.

"It has been my privilege to showcase NAFS at GiMA for the first time ever," Rahman, who also won awards for Best Film Album for "Highway" and Best Fusion Album in the non-film category for Coke Studio at MTV Season 3, said in a statement.
For me, to give a platform to the next generation is my mission and this is one of the first initiatives to represent India internationally. The inspiration behind was Stevie Wonder," he added.

Another highlight of the night was a performance by The S7- Super 7, an act comprising some of the most talented singers who have had hits in the past year including Armaan Malik, Shadab Faridi, Md Irfan and Hriday Gattani.
It has been an absolute honour to bring together some of the worlds finest musicians on a platform like GiMA. Weve had the privilege of seeing greats like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Jasraj, Usaat Zakir Hussain and A.R. Rahman on the same stage today, said Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

The Lifetime Achievement Award -- Classical went to Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, presented to him by classical legend Pandit Jasraj.
The Global Musician Award was bestowed upon music legend Ustad Zakir Hussain. Daler Mehndi took home the Wizcraft Honour for Best Live Performer and a Special Award for Best Music Initiative was awarded to the Red Bull Tour Bus.

Queen and Ek Villain tied with three awards each leading the film category.
Armaan Malik won awards for Best Music Debut in both the Film as well as Non-Film category. Shankar Mahadevan won his first award ever for Devotional music.

The 5th Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards, powered by Hungama.com and Kelloggs Chocos, will be telecast on Star Plus on March 15.
source:agency

Mumbai: A popular film actress and a fashionista, Sonam Kapoor says she has one regret in her life -- that she didn't complete her graduation. The 29-year-old, however, hopes to get her degree this year.
"My biggest regret is I've not completed my studies. But I'm going to finish my graduation this year. I'm going to fill in the forms to get my undergraduate degree in literature. For me, it's one of those things that I regret the most," Sonam said on the sidelines of L'Oreal Paris Femina World Awards 2015 here.

Sonam, who appeared in films like "Saawariya", "I Hate Luv Storys", "Raanjhanaa" and "Khoobsurat" among others, feels that she should have waited for four more years before entering showbiz. "I stopped studying at the 12th. Then I came and become actress. I could have waited for four years," she said.

Sonam was last seen in comedy film "Dolly Ki Doli", which got a mixed response from the audience. As of now, she is busy with Salman Khan-starrer "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" and she has also announced plans to open her clothing line called Rheson with her sister Rhea Kapoor.
source:agency

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Wednesday sought the Centre and Delhi government's response on the steps taken to deal with swine flu, while hearing a PIL seeking directions to make tests available at an affordable cost.
A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw issued a notice to the union health minister, city's health ministry, civic bodies and the lieutenant governor on the issue and sought their response by March 4.

The PIL filed through advocate Gaurav Bahl said the government should provide more laboratories in the city for testing swine flu (H1N1 virus) and it should be available at an affordable cost.
"Government should establish multiple testing laboratories and that should be available at an affordable cost. Now, the cost of test is Rs.4500. It has to be reduced," argued Bahl.

Currently the government has only three laboratories in Delhi for testing swine flu, he told the court.
source:agency

New Delhi: Environmentalist R.K. Pachauri, who is facing charges of sexual harassment, was Wednesday admitted to a hospital here, a source said.
"Yes, he (Pachauri) has been hospitalized," the source said. Pachauri stepped down as chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) following a complaint of alleged sexual harassment.

The woman complainant, who is a research analyst at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of which Pachauri is the director-general, lodged a police case against him.
Citing several texts, emails, and WhatsApp messages as evidence to prove the claim of sexual harassment, the complainant accused the scientist of harassing her soon after she joined the Delhi-based environment think-tank in September 2013.

Agartala: CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat Wednesday said that with Gujarat-based industrialist Gautam Adani's assets rising by Rs.25,000 crore within a year 'Achhe din' (good days) have come in the country under the BJP regime.
Addressing a large party gathering here, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) chief said "Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani's properties have increased by Rs.25,000 crore in the past one year" and that establishes how "Achhe din" (good days) have come in India.

"During its nine-month rule so far, the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre has worked round-the-clock for the interest of the corporate sector, industrialists and the moneyed men, and worked against the farmers, workers and poor men," Karat said. The event was organised in connection with the four-day 21st state conference of the CPI-M that began Wednesday.
Karat also alleged that to open the coal and insurance sectors to foreigners and the corporate sector, separate ordinances have been promulgated while bypassing parliament. "Since 1971, the coal sector was a public sector resource... now Modi government has started disinvestment of this sector. The land acquisition ordinance is a land-grabbing regulation to loot farmers' land and assets to benefit corporate."

The Left leader said that through the Food Security Act, 67 percent poor people have to be benefited. But the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is trying to reduce it to 40 percent.
"The CPI-M would undertake a nation-wide struggle against the misrule of the Modi government and highlight how the present government is attacking the minorities and slashing the allocation under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)."

CPI-M politburo member Brinda Karat said Tripura's Left Front government, headed by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, has successfully demonstrated how alternative governance could deliver the goods to the people, especially the poor.
"The Modi government has been nakedly working for the corporate and moneyed men and marginalising 'aam aadmi' (common men). The central government even started depriving a small state like Tripura in providing its due central share under central schemes, including MGNREGA."

CPI-M politburo member and West Bengal CPI-M state secretary Biman Bose, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and the party's state secretary Bijan Dhar also spoke on the occasion. All top CPI-M leaders are the key speakers at the four-day party conference, where a total of 578 delegates, including women, will participate.
source:agency

Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Wednesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments on Mother Teresa.
Addressing reporters here, the new state secretary of the CPI-M Kodiyeri Balakrishnan lashed out at Bhagwat for his statement on Mother Teresa - known for her passion to serve humanity.

"Bhagwat is taking forward the agenda of the RSS. Mother Teresa, over the years, has become a role model, especially in her charity work. We all wish to know what Modi has to say on this issue," said Balakrishnan. The RSS chief had claimed that religious conversions had taken place under Mother Teresa's leadership.
Bhagwat, while addressing a function of a local NGO near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, said Mother Teresa's service to the poor was aimed at converting them to Christianity. She was honoured with a Nobel Prize, while India decorated her with its highest civilian honour - the Bharat Ratna.

"Former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu had always spoken high of Mother Teresa. Secular minded people should come out in protest against Bhagwat's statement," said Balakrishnan.
source:agency

New Delhi: The Delhi government Wednesday announced 50 percent slash in power tariff up to 400 units and 20,000 litres free water per household. The rates will come into effect from March 1, announced Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here after a cabinet meeting.
source:agency

20150224

New Delhi/Nairobi: Environmentalist R.K. Pachauri Tuesday stepped down as chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) following charges of sexual harassment. Pachauri has denied the accusation.
The bureau of the UN's IPCC agreed Tuesday to designate Vice-Chair Ismail El Gizouli as acting chair. This follows the decision by Pachauri to step down as the chairman of the IPCC, a press release said Tuesday.
source:agency

Jammu: Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be sworn in as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir March 1, a top source said here Tuesday. "Yes, decks have been cleared for Mufti Sahib to be sworn in as the chief minister of the state March 1," a source said.
"If all goes on schedule, the PDP-BJP coalition government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as chief minister for the full six year term will take over March 1," the source said. Top sources in the PDP told IANS that the swearing in ceremony will be held at the Zorawar Singh memorial auditorium of Jammu University.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti will meet BJP national president Amit Shah in New Delhi Tuesday to give a formal shape to the common minimum programme (CMP) agreed upon between the PDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Mufti Sahib will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week. He will request the prime minister to attend the swearing in ceremony of the PDP-BJP coalition government," the source added.

The names of senior PDP leaders doing the rounds for cabinet ministers posts are Abdul Rehman Veeri, Naeem Akhtar, Haseeb Drabu, Zulfiqar Choudhary, Abdul Haq Khan and Altaf Bukhari. Those likely to be sworn in as BJP cabinet ministers are Nirmal Singh as deputy chief minister, Bali Baghat, Sham Choudhary, Kavinder Gupta, Choudhary Lal Singh and Abdul Gani Kohli.
Sources in the BJP said Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference who announced his support to the BJP is also a hot contender for a ministerial berth in the new state government. The PDP has 28, the BJP 25 and the People's Conference two seats in the 87-member state legislative assembly.

A simple majority of 44 is needed to stake claim to power in the state. Jammu and Kashmir was put under governor's rule Jan 8 after no single party or group of political parties came forward to stake claim to power.
source:agency

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Tuesday said that he and his party Janata Dal-United were opposed to the land acquisition amendment bill as it is against the interests of farmers.
"We are opposed to the bill and there is no question of supporting it," Nitish Kumar told the media here. He said that his party along with other like-minded parties would not allow the bill to be passed in parliament without a proper discussion.

"The present land acquisition amendment bill is anti-farmer and anti-people," Kumar said. He accused the Narendra Modi-led government of working against the interests of farmers to benefit industrialists.
He also questioned the objective of the National Democratic Alliance government in hurrying up with the bill. "Without consulting farmers and wider discussion on the legislation in the House the bill has been brought," added Kumar.

He alleged that the aim seems to be to buy land from farmers at "aune paune" (throwaway) prices to benefit industrialists as part of the Centre's announcement to build big cities.

Making a scathing attack on the prime minister, Kumar said the former sought votes in the name of farmers during election time and was now ignoring their interests to benefit industrialists.
source:agency

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday invited anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare to visit the Delhi secretariat.
Addressing Hazare's two-day agitation against the land ordinance of the central government, Kejriwal said: "I would like Anna ji to visit the Delhi secretariat for 10 minutes and address all the HODs (heads of departments)."

Hazare led an anti-corruption movement against the previous Congress-led government along with Kejriwal and the movement resulted in the birth of the Aam Aadmi Party. But the two had a fallout as Hazare was opposed to the idea of joining politics.
At Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal addressed Hazare as his "guru" and "father figure" and assured that as the chief minister of Delhi, he would support the agitation with all his might.

Hazare launched his agitation against the ordinance at Jantar Mantar Monday, terming the measure "undemocratic" and demanding its withdrawal. The government Tuesday introduced the land acquisition amendment bill in the Lok Sabha amid an uproar by the opposition.
source:agency

20150222

Hindus are urging His Holiness Pope Francis to discipline a Northern Ireland Catholic priest who reportedly linked yoga to Satan.

Father Reverend Roland Colhoun, a priest at Waterside Parish of Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry in Northern Ireland, as reported by Derry Journal, “warned parishioners against taking part in yoga” while saying mass in Drumsurn recently. “Yoga is certainly a risk. There’s the spiritual health risk”, Journal quoted him.

UK’s The Independent quoted him as saying “Yoga leads to Satan” and that he fears it could lead to “The Kingdom of Darkness”. “It’s a slippery slope from yoga to Satan”, RT channel said quoting him.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, stressed that on the other hand, seeing the proven benefits of yoga, it should be introduced in all the schools of the world; stressing that incorporating yoga in the lives of the students would be a step in the positive direction. According to US National Institutes of Health (NIH), yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. A recently released NIH survey report revealed that more Americans of all ages were rolling out their yoga mats in an effort to improve their health and approximately 21 million adults and 1.7 million children practiced yoga.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Rajan Zed pointed out and added that yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche.

Zed indicated that they would also inform Diocese of Derry Bishop, Most Reverend Donal McKeown, about this.

Kolkata: Businessman Shibaji Panja, who accompanied West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her Bangladesh visit, was Sunday arrested after he reached the Kolkata airport.
"A look out notice was issued by the Delhi Police against Panja. In pursuance of that we arrested him Sunday," said a police officer.

The Delhi Police issued a look out notice Feb 19 in an economic offence case.
source:agency

Chennai: Filmmaker Maruthi, whose last Telugu directorial "Kotha Janta" hit the bull's eye, will team up next with actor Nani in a yet-untitled film in the language. The project will be produced by UV Creations.
"Maruthi's project is expected to go on floors soon. They're busy finalising the title and rest of the cast. UV Creations will be producing the film and it's most likely going to be Nani's big release this year," a source from the film's unit said.

"Andala Rakshasi" fame Lavanya Tripathi has been paired with Nani. Nani is currently busy promoting his next release "Yevade Subramanyam". He also has another yet-untitled project in his kitty.
source:agency

New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh met some representatives of farmers over the land ordinance, in an indication that there was rethink in the government on the issue following a proposed protest by social activist Anna Hazare and some opposition parties. Sources said the farmer representatives told Rajnath Singh that the government had brought the ordinance without proper consultation. They also asked the government to take into account their views before bringing the bill in parliament to replace the ordinance. The sources said the Bharatiya Janata Party was concerned about Hazare's protest against the ordinance and any perception of the party being viewed as anti-farmer. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is expected to join the protest. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu had said in an interview that there was no question of the government going back on the ordinance concerning the land bill but it was open to meaningful suggestions.
source:agency

The new curriculum helps children learn critical skills directly linked to
school readiness and future academic success; additionally, Season 7
features an all new star cast, foot tapping Bollywood songs, new animation
and Super Grover 2.0!

New Delhi- Sesame Street's Galli Galli Sim Sim, the
popular preschool programme premiered its 7th season on Doordarshan on
Saturday February 14, 2015 at 10.00 a.m. with a repeat telecast every
Wednesday at 8.30 a.m.

Produced in association with RedDot Productions, the all-new Season 7 of
Galli Galli Sim Sim engages children as it educates them on important life
skills that enable them to be more school ready. With generous support from
the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, each episode of Galli Galli Sim
Sim has multiple segments that are thematically linked together to address a
whole- child curriculum.

Galli ki Duniya hosts favorite Muppet friends Chamki, Googly, Boombah,
Aanchoo, Khadoosa and Hero, and an all new human star cast - Aamir, Pia
Aunty, Doctor Didi with engaging stories that teach children about sharing,
making friends, healthy habits and task persistence. Grover takes to the
streets in search of new word and to the sky in Super Grover 2.0 to teach
children concepts around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
The Bert and Ernie animation segments teach pre-numeracy and maths concepts.
The Elmo and Parents segment models strategies and behaviors to address
topics like bullying, self-esteem and confidence, using vocabulary to
express oneself, reflecting on the feelings of others and learning
strategies for responding to academic or social and emotional challenges.
All this and more with foot- tapping Bollywood numbers and engaging slice of
life stories in the Live Action segments.

Season 6 of Galli Galli Sim Sim, which concluded broadcast in February 2015
was watched extensively with each episode reaching 110,000 children on an
average[1]. Speaking about the new season, Sashwati Banerjee, MD, Sesame
Workshop in India says, "We are preparing children for the 21st century.
Along with the necessary literacy and numeracy skills, children need to
learn about self-regulation such as focused attention, controlling their
emotions and their impulses. Recent studies have shown that self-regulation
and executive functioning skills are critical indicators for school
readiness. The process that enables them to learn about planning, initiate
and complete an activity while controlling their temper, maintaining
attention and responding to feedback from others need to be taught at a very
young age. The new season of GGSS specifically deals with issues that
promote self-regulation and provides both the vocabulary and the strategies.
We encourage parents to watch it with the children."

Peter Colenso, Executive Director at CIFF "Children's early experiences have
a uniquely powerful influence on the formation of their cognitive
capacities, social skills and even later I.Q. We are very excited to support
Sesame Workshop in India to develop content thatwill engage young children
in learning experiences and help them develop."

Richa Sahai of RedDot Productions says, "Creating content that educates,
entertains and keeps young children engaged is always a challenge. We have
hopefully succeeded in doing that through this season of Galli GalliSimSim.
It promises to be bigger, brighter, more relatable and more fun! The
segments are varied and crisp and should appeal to children across all
demographics."

As always, Galli Galli Sim Sim is filled with hysterical moments for both
children and their caregivers and will be broadcast also in Gujarati (DD
Girnar) and Marathi (DD Sayadri) later this year.

About Sesame Workshop in India:

Sesame Workshop in India, the organization behind Galli GalliSimSim, uses
the power of media to help children reach their highest potential. We
develop and distribute high quality and engaging content through television,
radio, community radio, print, digital and outreach, to reach children aged
0 - 8. Our content aims to facilitate young Indian children's basic
academic and life skills, while celebrating India's rich cultural diversity,
in order to promote their overall cognitive, socio-emotional and physical
development. Galli GalliSimSim, the television series, has been watched by
80 million children since its debut in 2006 till 2011[2] and currently
reaches approximately 18 million children per year in partnership with Pogo
and national public broadcaster - Doordarshan. Galli GalliSimSim's
educational messages are extended through a radio programme aired on
community radio stations, extensive community outreach, and applications on
new and emerging media such as cell phones and internet. We use a
combination of print and audio-visual media for training and awareness about
early childhood education to parents, teachers and caregivers. For more
information on all log on to
www.sesameworkshopindia.org.

Sesame Workshop in India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sesame Workshop New
York, the non-profit educational organization that revolutionized children's
television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. Learn more at
www.sesameworkshop.org.

About Children's Investment Fund Foundation:

The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) is an independent
philanthropic organisation, headquartered in London with offices in Nairobi
and New Delhi. We work to transform the lives of poor and vulnerable
children in developing countries. Areas of work include children and
mothers' health and nutrition, children's education and welfare, and smart
ways to slowdown and stop climate change. CIFF-funded programmes place
significant emphasis on quality data and evidence. Before making an
investment and during implementation, CIFF works with partners to measure
and evaluate progress to achieve large scale and sustainable impact. Every
child deserves to survive and thrive.

20150220

Mumbai: Filmmaker Farah Khan has made it clear that unlike the other reality shows on TV, there will be no film promotion on her cookery show "Farah Ki Daawat".
"It ("Farah Ki Daawat") is a food show not a reality show so there will be no film promotion on this show," Farah, who is hosting the show, said on being asked about film promotions on her show.

"Farah Ki Daawat" set to go on air Feb 22 on Colors, will see see Bollywood stars like Abhishek Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Malaika Arora Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia showing their culinary skills.
source:agency

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday inaugurated the 28th Garden Tourism Festival here and said that his government will soon make Delhi one of the best tourist hubs in the country.
"The parks and gardens of Delhi have great potential to be one of the best in the world. My government will soon make Delhi one of the best tourism hubs in the country. Work is in progress," Kejriwal said addressing the people during the inaugration of the tourism festival at the south Delhi-based Garden of Five Senses.

The Garden Tourism Festival was for the first time organised in 1988 in a Delhi Development Authority park (DDA) in Greater Kailash.
The three day festival with the theme "Landscaping with Hanging Plants" will exhibit 400 different types of flowers along with various other plants. Musical nights will also be organised every evening during the occasion.

Kejriwal also urged the organisers of the festival and people to individually contribute to the natural environment. "It is important for people to individually take care of the environment and contribute towards it," he said and added that the attempt also should be made to beautify Delhi parks similar to parks of foreign countries.
Speaking on other developments his government is likely to make for Delhi, Kejriwal said that his government would soon launch the "anti-corruption telephone line". "Our government is soon going to launch the anti-corruption telephone line in the state," he said.

"The blueprint to lower the electricity and the water bills is also being readied by our government and soon we will give a good news to the people in this regard," he added.
source:agency

Patna: Janata Dal-United (JD-U) workers in senior leader and former chief minister Nitish Kumar's camp began celebrating while the houses of the supporters of his successor Jitan Ram Manjhi wore a deserted look after Manjhi quit as Bihar CM Friday.
Manjhi was to face a floor test later in the day and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had declared support to him. JD-U leaders close to Nitish Kumar distributed sweets and took to the streets to express their happiness.

"There is a festival like atmosphere at the JD-U's state headquarters here. Party workers and leaders played with colours even though Holi, the annual festival of colours, is in March," JD-U leader Sanjay Singh said. Another jubilant leader, Alok Ajay, said that truth has prevailed over lies.

Hundreds of party workers and leaders gathered at the party office as well as at the residence of Nitish Kumar. On the other hand, silence prevailed in the Manjhi camp.

"Deserted houses of Manjhi camp leaders are telling its own story that they have accepted defeat before the test in the state assembly," JD-U leader Ramavtar Singh said. The BJP office here also wore a dull look with little activity after Manjhi resigned.
source:agency

20150219

Mumbai: The romantic moments between actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, portrayal of a strict father, revelry around Indian wedding and a fun train journey in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ) will be missed by moviegoers as the iconic movie made its final curtain call Thursday at famous Maratha Mandir here - after two decades.
Manoj Desai, owner of G7 Multiples and Gaiety Galaxy and the managing director of Maratha Mandir said: "Yes, it's true that we have pulled down the show. Today (Thursday) morning show was the last show of DDLJ at Maratha Mandir." "The morning show which was the last show of DDLJ had an audience of 210," he added.

The film, which won 10 Filmfare Awards, including best film, best actor, best actress and best director at the 1996 edition of the ceremony, had been running uninterrupted at this single-theatre cinema hall at its usual playing time slot of 11:30 am.

The film, which was first screened at Maratha Mandir in October 1995, was undergoing its 20th year of uninterrupted run at the iconic cinema hall. It also holds the record of the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema.
When asked about the reason behind closing of the shows of the film, he said: "Earlier we had lots of audience to watch this film that included people from abroad. Now there is hardly any audience coming in. "We have 1105 seats in one screen and out of which hardly 100 to 200 seats used to get occupied so it doesn't make sense to run it any longer."

The normal tickets cost of this film was Rs. 20, Rs. 17 and Rs. 15 at the hall, drastically lower than what the multiplexes charge. However he says now the other fresh films will get extra screens.
"Earlier because of DDLJ the other films does not used to get all the screens now it will be a benefit for fresh films which now can occupy the shows which was earlier occupied by DDLJ," said Desai. Produced by the late Yash Chopra, the film marked Aditya Chopra's debut as a director.

The film was termed as a refreshing change for cinema lovers with all ingredients of a Bollywood masala potboiler -- love, romance, comedy, action, melodrama, thrills, songs and dance -- put together cohesively to tell a story of the victory of true love.
DDLJ has a simple story -- a fun loving London-bred Punjabi boy Raj (Shah Rukh) meets an NRI simpleton Simran (Kajol) during an European holiday. Love blossoms between them, but winning over the girl's conservative family is not a cakewalk for the hero, who then makes every effort to take his 'dulhania' (bride) with him.

The film also featured Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher and Mandira Bedi.
source:agency

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Narottam Mishra Thursday said the deadly swine flu virus has killed 90 people in the state so far.
Narottam said while the flu has claimed 90 lives, as many as 1052 people have tested positive for the virus. The condition of five of those who tested positive is said to be serious.

The minister added that adequate facilities have been made available to the patients and the necessary medicines have been stocked in all the hospitals.
source:agency

The BJP legislators Thursday created a ruckus and protested in the Bihar assembly complex against the decision to appoint the JD-U leader as the leader of opposition.
"We will not sit silently...giving the status of the opposition party to JD-U is not correct. We will protest against this move," Yadav told media.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to formally announce Thursday whether it will support Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in the trust vote Friday. A meeting of BJP MLAs was held at senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi's residence here.

Mumbai has witnessed a full swing promotion of Bollywood producer Mahendra Dhariwal, Jitendra Gulati, Exective Producer Chirag Dhariwal, and Director Suzat Iqbal Khan, actors Sudhanshu Agrawal, Shawar Ali and Shrishti Sharma for their upcoming movie “Monsoon” which is going to release on 20th February. During the promotion event actress Shrishti Sharma looked gorgeous in a western dress. Later actress Shrishti Sharma raised the temperature of this winter season by kissing her co-star Sudhanshu Agrawal during the promotion event and leaving the lipstick mark on his chick. She said, “I am playing a grey shade character in the movie and I am sure that this character would be loved by the audience.” Bollywood actor turned producer Shawar Ali who is playing a grey shade character in the movie was seen joining the photoshoot session with actress Shrishti Sharma and actor Sudhanshu Agrawal, Shawar Ali Said, “I play a grey shade character in the movie which will be totally fresh for the audiences to watch.” Elaborating further, he said, “One interesting thing about this character is that it is much different from what I have done previously. I enjoyed a lot while doing this role.”

While talking to the media, Producer of the movie Mahendra Dhariwal said, “It is a comic story of a 15 year old boy who falls in love with his teacher. As he enters the teenage he faces various changes in his personality and this is what the whole concept is all about. This incident must have happened in each and every individual’s life and so we have brought this concept in a comic manner which the audiences will surely enjoy.” The movie also stars Vijay Singh, who’s touted to be Mallika Sherawat’s ex. They met on the show, The Bachelorette India Meri Khayalon Ki Mallika, where Vijay Singh was one of the contestants. He came out winning the show. Editor Honey Sethi was also seen at the event.

20150218

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and the chief ministers of the two states have condoled the death of well-known filmmaker Daggubati Ramanaidu.
Ramanaidu, who holds the record of producing films in the maximum number of Indian languages, died of cancer here Wednesday. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner was 79.

The governor, in his condolence, message said Ramanaidu's death created a vacuum not only in Telugu film but also in the film fraternity across India. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep anguish over the passing away of the legendary producer.

"His demise comes as a shock to the Telugu film industry. Dr. Ramanaidu's contribution to Telugu cinema has been outstanding," Naidu said. Recalling his meetings with the movie moghul, the chief minister said he was a generous man who worked hard to churn out several blockbusters.
Naidu said that Ramanaidu also earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most films produced by an individual, having produced nearly 150 films in 13 Indian languages. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao recalled the role played by Ramanaidu in shifting the Telugu film industry to Hyderabad.

Rao, in his condolence message, said the eminent filmmaker by producing movies in different Indian languages introduced many new artists and encouraged them. Several ministers of the two Telugu states and leaders of various political parties have also condoled death of Ramanaidu.
source:agency

20150217

Bangalore :RVM Foundation Shiv Temple on Old Airport Road, Bangalore celebrated “Maha Shivarathri 2015 - A Day of Gratitude” on Tuesday, 17th, February 2015 with great excitement and enthusiasm. Lakhs of devotees from all walks of life thronged the Shiva Temple to get a glimpse of “The Most Powerful Shiv Statue in the World” and performed the “MahaYagna of MahaShivratri” for the very first time in the temple.

The theme of this year’s MahaShivarathri was“God gives us everything! Happy Life, Good Health & Success. Dedicate 1 Day out of 365 Days to God and show your Devotion.”

The main and biggest highlight of this year was, “MAHA YAGNA OF MAHA SHIVRATRI”. The 24 hours MahaYagna, was performed for the very first time in the Shiv temple. The YagnaKund standing at 6 feet is one of the tallest yagna structures in the world. A 24-hour auspicious Yagna ritual was performed by lakhs of devotees, which inspired them to surrender themselves to God through Arpanam and got the divine blessings of Lord Shiv. The Devotees experienced a sense of liberation as the flames from holy Yagna soared to the heavens.

On this occasion, musical CD of “RVM Shiv Bhajans Golden Collection”, sung by RVM and India’s 15 best singers, including Javed Ali, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Roop Kumar, AlkaYagnik, Udit Narayan, S.P. Balasubramaniam, SadhnaSargam, Harshdeep Kaur and many more was released and was being played in the background which created a sense of Bhakthi to all devotees present at the Celebrations.

“Like every year, lakhs and lakhs of Shiv devotees thronged the Shiv temple. It looked like a miracle! We don’t know from where these people have come but every year they land up waiting for hours together in the queue to come and get the Darshan. God lives in every devotee and it is this joint power of God that comes to the temple and creates the miraculous energy that the Shiv Statue radiates to become the most powerful statue in the world. , said RVM, Visionary & founder of the RVM Foundation & temple. “MahaYagna was perfomed to make devotees experience the magical feeling that rishis and maharajas used to get thousands of years ago. It was spirituality at its peak.” said RVM.

The Temple's unique spiritual place, 'Shiv Gufa', took devotees to a multi-phased spiritual journey where they got a glimpse of the 12 Jyothirlings at one place. A Unique mindboggling Light and Sound show which was a combination of colourful lights, mellow music & thought provoking dialogues. This time, the special MahaShivarathri Light and Sound show was based on the theme “Believe in God and stay connected to God”. An Aarthi was organized at an interval of every two hours where devotees got to perform Aarti to Lord Shiva.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF MAHA SHIVRATRI 2015 WERE:

108 ASHTOTHRA YATRA
Each devotee was given 108 “Om NamahShivaya” coins. With every coin the devotee droped in a brass pot while chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”, they drew a special energy within.

ABHISHEK
Abhishek is an act of symbolically cleansing and purifying one’s inner self with‑Water to cleanse, Milk to purify, Curd to transform, Sugar to sweeten, Honey to connect with God and Ghee to seek God’s blessing.

NAVAHGRAH
The Navahgrahpooja is a prayer to the creator of the entire universe and the nine planets. By performing the pooja, a devotee symbolically and humbly submitted himself to God.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
· Special Aarti at an interval of every 2 hours started from 6 A.M. on 17th February and went on till 4 A.M. on 18th February.
· Midnight competitions like Shiv SA RE GA MA, Shiv Anatakshari, Shiv Idol, Shiv Dhuni Sangam were organised specially for the devotees and attractive prizes were given out.
· A Jagran program was held, wherein all the devotees stayed awake for the night, singing praises for the lord.

RVM FOUNDATION at a Glance
RVM Foundation is a non-profit organization thatfocuses on making a difference and making life fulfilling. The RVM Foundation Shiv Temple, situated on Old Airport Road, Bangalore, was built by RVM and his father in 1995. The temple is the holy abode of Lord Shiva, where the gigantic 65-feet-tall idol of Lord Shiva stands as a symbol of towering faith. Lakhs and lakhs of devotees from different parts of India and around the world visit the temple every month, making it a favoured spiritual spot.

To achieve its vision, the foundation also has three key initiatives:Humanitarian, Inspirational & Spiritual Initiatives.

All the proceedings from the temple go towards serving the destitute sheltered at the RVM Foundation Hospital and Home.

20150216

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said his health is better now and asked people to pray for him Monday, his first day in office.Kejriwal was suffering from high fever when he took the oath of office Feb 14."Fever gone. Feeling much better. Restarted daily morn walk and yoga, which had stopped due to elections. My first day in office today (Monday). Do pray for me," Kejriwal tweeted.
source:agency

Hyderabad: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has retained the Tirupati assembly seat in Andhra Pradesh.
M. Suguna of the ruling party won the by-election, defeating her nearest rival R. Sreedevi of the Congress party by over 1.16 lakh votes. The by-election was necessitated by the death of Suguna's husband M. Venkatramna. The bypoll was held Friday.
source:agency

Neha's collection Is about to change your lifestyle by her exquisite and customized, multipurpose and affordable Diamond/Gold Jewellery. An array of necklaces, bracelets and earrings gave all patrons of luxury in city a real visual treat. After successfully holding up exhibitions of NL Jewels in Dubai, Ahemdabad, Now Mumbai will witness the innovative line showcases its creative edge with stately diadems, armlets and minaudieres.

"Each piece is a statement and has been exceptionally sculpted using rich colours; highlighted with rubies, emeralds, tanzanite and sapphires; elegantly punctuated with the rarest diamonds all depicting nature in her various forms", said Neha. Neha has been graduated in arts (B.A.) and done her Diamonds from GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Others present at the event were Nadeem Lakdawala with his wife Ayesha Lakdawala and Parvez Lakdawala with his wife Hafiza Lakdawala.

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of 'Phalguna' (Feb / March). Maha Shivaratri, "the Great Night of Shiva" is the most significant event in India's spiritual calendar. A unique 40 feet Shivling was inaugurated by leading Film celebrities Bappi Lahiri, Dolly Bindra.

Bappi Lahiri, Famous Indian music director and playback singer: He gave his good wishes for the Mahashivratri event to Brahma Kumaris, shared his feelings & devotion towards Lord Shiva. He sung few lines from his recently released religious album; Also sung few lines from one of his Bengali movie song, “Mangal Deep Jale” which touched the audience.

Sister Dolly Bindra, Indian actress: She requested the audience to Shout Out and come forward to express their issues and solve the present deteriorating situation in this age of Kaliyuga. She shared that she has stopped reading the newspapers from past 25 days. She also shared her experience of conversation with God. Feb 14 is her birthday; Sister BK Divya Prabha and Sister BK Kunti gave her blessings among the present audience.

Brother Ashok Patel, Shiv Sena Shakha Pramukh: He said that 14 years ago when Brahma Kumaris were being handed over responsibility of the Liberty Garden as a care taker, since then Brahma Kumaris may have organized some 14 exhibitions here. The Garden has been nicely maintained.

Sister BK Kunti: Explained the significance of Maha Shivratri; Made a request to the audience to return home today with smile & happiness from Liberty Garden.

Sister BK Divya Prabha: Explained the significance of Maha Shivratri; She Shared the various belief systems of people who believe in God and one who do not have faith, but they too at least once in their life time remember him and see towards him for his help; she also explained how to connect with Supreme father and do conversation with him as his child;

Sister Daksha Patel, ex corporator: Gave her good wishes to the audience and expressed her thanks to Brahma Kumaris for inviting her to share her thoughts. She shared that she feels inspired by Brahma Kumaris talks and guidance which she keeps taking while coming in contact with Brahma Kumaris Sisters.
Bengali group: Bengali Group from the local Bengali temple in Malad presented a devotional musical dance with drums.
All the guests were felicated with godly gifts & Prasad.

Following this programme Brahmakumaris has arranged for 5 days Free Meditation Course at their
Malad Center starting 15 Feb, 2015.

Valentine’s Day inspires different feelings for many people. New couples are filled with exhilaration, long-term couples enjoy commemorating their love, some partners worry about surprising their significant other with a romantic date and then there are singles, who feel everything from anxiety to excitement about the day. This Valentine’s Day, there was an event in Mumbai to inspire singles and couples of all ages to support "Garrimaa" foundation. GARIMAA is a commitment by all of us to stand up for a dignified, graceful world around us and also bringing excellence into existence. It is our collective effort to enable our women to stand up for their Dignity, Value & Safety. The support Cell IVY ( I Value You) enables women to achieve their dreams. Whether you’re single, part of a new couple or celebrating the love of a lifetime, make this Valentine’s Day special for your Sister, Mother, Daughter and Friend. Additional Commissioner of Police Mr. Krishnaprakash (IPS) were seen praising women of today, he said, "Today women's does not need empowerment they need support and I think "Garrimaa" is what they want"and Mrs. Sharda Raut Deputy Commissioner of Police also seen sharing their valuable opinion and talking about women values and priorities. Honorable Advisor Shubhash Avate said, "A woman of substance is a woman of power, a woman of positive influence and a woman of meaning. To be branded "A woman of substance" is one of the greatest compliments one can give a woman that wants to be an “influential” lady."

Garrimaa's Chairperson Nettra Sorap said, "I am proud to say that I accomplished every goal set forth by the grace of God and through positive influences around me. So this Valentine's Day, I challenge you to look at the Women with value. Despite our successes in gender equality, as women we continue to hear that our worth is in our beauty and our ability to woo men with our doe-eyed, sexuality, then obviously we still have a long way to go."

"Garrimaa" foundation is looking forward to End Violence Against Women And Girls. One in three women –- THAT’S 1 BILLION WOMEN –- will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. To fight back against this abhorrent figure, "Garrimaa" foundation are coming together with the support of Mumbai Police on this Valentine's Day to rise up and demand an end to such senseless violence against women. " Viewing women as knowledge bearers, rather than as victims, shifts perspectives from women empowerment to women Dignity, Value & Safety", added Kavita Rupani. Other who were present at the event are Bobby Malhotra and Satish Reddy.

20150213

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP) Command will be running a series of child protection workshops across India during February 2015. The workshops in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), British School and the British Council will run from 23-27 February. In Mumbai and Pune the workshops are scheduled from 14-22 February.

Funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), this activity aims to share knowledge and raise awareness of some of the emerging trends and key issues surrounding child sexual exploitation. The project aims to strengthen the UK’s relationship with India tackling the mutual threat of online crime – particularly in the area of internet-enabled child sexual exploitation.

Since 2006, NCA-CEOP has handled numerous cases involving offences being committed in India and the surrounding countries. These cases include both UK nationals offending overseas but also a number of Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals, resident in those respective countries and offending against UK victims over the internet.

Through working with partners in India, the NCA wants to contribute to making the country more hostile to child sex offenders, in turn making children in the region and in the UK safer. Currently, four states in India are providing free laptops to all children through schools, but these are not accompanied by safety messaging and there have been reports in India of extortion and blackmail through self-generated imagery. This project will support the development of a safer online community across India and aims to build on existing operational cooperation and safeguarding partnerships.

While in India, NCA-CEOP is partnering with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Rotary Club of Pune Gandhi Bhavan RID 313, local charity Prerana, Nahar International School Mumbai, The British School New Delhi and The British Council, to create a comprehensive online safety awareness program run by local and international trainers. This will be delivered to law enforcement officers, child protection professionals, charities, schools and government agencies within India.

The program is designed to empower children and young people in India to better protect themselves from a number of risks in both online and offline, including sexual exploitation and abuse, improve our partnerships with Indian law enforcement and make India a more hostile place for child sex offenders.

2. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is a UK crime-fighting agency with national and international reach and the mandate and powers to work in partnership with other law enforcement organisations, to bring the full weight of the law to bear in cutting serious and organised crime.

3. The NCA’s CEOP Command works with child protection and law enforcement partners within the UK and overseas to identify the main threats to children and coordinates activity against these threats to bring offenders to account. Visit www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk for more information.

4. The International Child Protection Network (ICPN) brings together experts from all walks of life to share expertise, build knowledge and limit offender opportunity. The ICPN is active in many parts of the world where it has worked to build up partnerships and knowledge and where, from experience, we know that children have been targeted, in particular by offenders travelling from the UK. More information can be found via www.ceop.police.uk/icpn

5. Since initiating the ICPN in 2010, the CEOP Command has directly trained over 2,010 multi-sector professionals across Europe, South and Southeast Asia by delivering Child Safeguarding Workshops and awareness raising sessions. Officers from CEOP have also directly trained over 420 law enforcement professionals through the delivery of courses to enhance knowledge and understanding on the threat area including investigation skills for cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

6. The NCA is a member of the Virtual Global Taskforce which also includes the Australian Federal Police, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Italian National Postal and Communication Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Interpol. Further information is available at www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com

Bangalore : RVM Foundation Shiv Temple is celebrating “Maha Shivratri 2015 ‑- A Day of Gratitude” on 17th, February 2015. The press conference for the same was held on 13th February at 12.30 pm in the premises of RVM Foundation Shiv Temple, Old Airport Road.

The theme of this year’s Maha Shivarathri is “God gives us everything! Happy Life, Good Health & Success. Dedicate 1 Day out of 365 Days to God and show your Devotion.”

RVM, the founder of the temple, addressed the media on how this Maha Shivratri is going to be different and grander than all the previous years’ Maha Shivratri celebrations. He explained why the Shiv statue at RVM Foundation Shiv Temple is the “Most Powerful Shiv Statue in the World” and how the temple is “A Temple Of Faith Where Dreams Come True”.

One of the highlights of the press conference was the release of “RVM Shiv Bhajans Golden Collection”, which is sung by RVM and India’s 15 best singers, including Javed Ali, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Roop Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Sadhna Sargam, Harshdeep Kaur and many more.

The main and biggest highlight of the press conference was the inauguration of “MAHA YAGNA OF MAHA SHIVRATRI”. The Yagna Kund standing at 6 feet is one of the tallest yagna structures in the world. This Maha Yagna is Yagna Havan ‑ a 24-hour auspicious ritual that inspires devotees to surrender themselves to God through Arpanam. The Devotees will experience a sense of liberation as the flames from holy Yagna soar to the heavens.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF MAHA SHIVRATRI 2015:

108 ASHTOTHRA YATRA

Each devotee is given 108 “Om Namah Shivaya” coins. With every coin the devotee drops in a brass pot while chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”, they draw a special energy within.

ABHISHEK

Abhishek is an act of symbolically cleansing and purifying one’s inner self with ‑ Water to cleanse, Milk to purify, Curd to transform, Sugar to sweeten, Honey to connect with God and Ghee to seek God’s blessing.

NAVAHGRAH

The Navahgrah pooja is a prayer to the creator of the entire universe and the nine planets. By performing the pooja, a devotee symbolically and humbly submits to God.

A UNIQUE LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW

This Maha Shivarathri, the Temple is organizing a “Light and Sound show”, accompanied by colourful lights, mellow music and sublime dialogues, which brings the idol of Lord Shiv to life by inspiring and filling the devotees with a deep sense of reverence and Shiv Bhakti. It is not only exceptional in its presentation but also spiritually stimulating.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

· Special Aarti at an interval of every 2 hours starting from 6 A.M. on 17th February up to 4 A.M. on 18th February.
· Midnight competitions like Shiv SA RE GA MA, Shiv Anatakshari, Shiv Idol, Shiv Dhuni Sangam are being organised specially for the devotees with attractive prizes.
· A Jagran program will be held, wherein all the devotees stay awake for the night, singing praises for the lord.

Come and be part of this divine day and join the celebrations at RVM Foundation Shiv Temple.

RVM FOUNDATION at a Glance

RVM Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on making a difference and making life fulfilling. The RVM Foundation Shiv Temple, situated on Old Airport Road, Bangalore, was built by RVM and his father in 1995. The temple is the holy abode of Lord Shiva, where the gigantic 65-feet-tall idol of Lord Shiva stands as a symbol of towering faith. Lakhs and lakhs of devotees from different parts of India and around the world visit the temple every month, making it a favoured spiritual spot.

To achieve its vision, the foundation also has three key initiatives: Humanitarian, Inspirational & Spiritual Initiatives.

All the proceedings from the temple go towards serving the destitute sheltered at the RVM Foundation Hospital and Home.

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New Delhi: Anuj Bansal's work at the AAP office here involves answering telephonic queries regarding donations to the party and overseeing collection of cheques from donors across Delhi. Since Tuesday he has also been answering numerous calls from all over the country on when the Aam Aadmi Party will open a unit in their state.
"This has become an added responsibility now," says a visibly pleased Bansal over tea at the five-month-old AAP headquarters at East Patel Nagar where thousands celebrated as the party pulled off a sensational win in the Delhi assembly election two days ago.

"Everyone wants to know when they can see an AAP office in their city or state," the enthusiastic 23-year-old told media. "I give everyone a standard reply: 'We will come if you invite us'." After a pause, Bansal, who is from Delhi, added: "It is remarkable how the AAP magic has spread to all parts of the country."

The 27-month-old AAP, the country's youngest political outfit, has no immediate plans of spreading its wings outside Delhi. Its leaders remember the disaster that followed the decision to contest over 400 Lok Sabha seats last year.
But this does not mean the AAP will remain Delhi-centric. At some point, the party, confident that it can occupy the Left-of-centre space increasingly vacated by the Congress, will venture to new states, maybe beginning with Punjab. AAP volunteers from all parts of India who worked for months for the sensational election victory in Delhi have already established toeholds in their own towns and cities.

"If we remain wedded to our idealism, we will be pioneers of change," added Adarsh Kumar, a 21-year-old from Bangalore who has camped in the capital since November last year and was, until the Delhi election, in charge of the Volunteer Management Team. It is AAP volunteers like Bansal and Kumar - around 20,000 of them worked day and night in Delhi's 70 constituencies - who will again be the foot soldiers if and when the party decides to look beyond Delhi.
Kumar says Delhiites initially posed tough questions when the volunteers went door to door seeking votes, mainly over the reason AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned as Delhi's chief minister abruptly in February 2014. "Many were hostile at first and it was very painful to even hear criticism about Kejriwal," he recalled. "But we persisted. Over the weeks the criticism became muted. In the end, people began to respect us.

"Many would say that the so-called activists of other political parties were mainly paid employees. And when they saw us slogging day and night in so many localities for free, they came to admire us - and Kejriwal." AAP volunteers poured into Delhi from all over India but mainly from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Many stayed for weeks, many for days. Everyone paid for their transport. The AAP helped out with accommodation and food.
Manish Gangurde, 23, from Chembur in Mumbai was one of them. He is still in Delhi, eagerly looking forward to Feb 14 when Kejriwal will again take oath as chief minister at the sprawling Ramlila Maidan. A few volunteers have, however, returned home because they had taken paid leave from their work places to campaign for the AAP in Delhi.

"Most volunteers were from middle class families. A few were well off. There were also those who were economically not well placed," Gangurde said. "But we all bonded. We were proud of our AAP."
source:agency

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New Delhi: Former Delhi assembly speaker M.S. Dhir, who defected from the AAP to the BJP just before the elections and lost to his former party Tuesday, credited Arvind Kejriwal for the AAP sweep.
"Arvind Kejriwal was a stronger face than (BJP's) Kiran Bedi for the post of chief minister," Dhir said after losing to Aam Aadmi Party's Pravin Kumar by 20,450 votes in Jangpura.

"Winning and losing are the two faces of the same coin. I think it's an anti-BJP wave that led us down," he said. "Also, I think AAP got more time to prepare for the elections as they were preparing for the last six months." Dhir said the AAP's showing -- it won 67 of the 70 seats in Delhi -- was "a 100 percent win (for) Arvind Kejriwal. (My opponent) Pravin won because of the wave in AAP's favour and Kejriwal's popularity".
source:agency

New Delhi: The AAP government would like to work in tandem with the centre as it believes in positive politics and its aim is to make Delhi a better place to live, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said after his party's landslide victory in the Delhi assembly polls.
"We believe in positive and competitive politics. We are here to make Delhi better and would like to work with the centre in tandem," Sisodia, who is likely to be a senior minister in Arvind Kejriwal's cabinet like before, said.

Sisodia, who was education and public works department minister in the AAP's 49-day government after the 2013 polls, said the unfinished work which had come to an end Feb 14 last year would begin once again. The AAP government had resigned Feb 14 last year after 49 days in power.
Besides, health and education would be new government's priority, he said. The party has promised 20 new colleges and 30,000 more beds in hospitals. Sisodia, who retained his Patparganj assembly seat, said the AAP was committed to make Delhi a corruption-free city.

The sailing for the AAP might not be smooth with the BJP-led Narendra Modi government at the centre. Delhi does not enjoy full statehood. The city government does not have law and order and civic agencies under it. These come under the union home ministry.
source:agency